Lord CHELWOODasked Her Majesty's Government:
When, in anticipation of agreement in the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference or otherwise, the United 291WA States of America enacted legislation to afford protection on the high seas to salmon stocks originating in the United States; whether such legislation is recognised by other countries; whether it is consistent with the UNLOSC single negotiating text; and whether Her Majesty's Government contemplates similar legislation to protect salmon stocks of British origin throughout their range at sea.
§ Lord STRABOLGIThe relevant United States legislation—the Fishery Conservation and Management Act 1976—came into effect on 1st March 1977. Section 102 of the Act provides for the United States to exercise over all anadromous species, which includes salmon, which spawn in US waters exclusive management authority throughout their migratory range, except when within a foreign nation's territorial sea or fisheries zone as recognised by the United States. It is not known whether such legislation is recognised by other countries. The Revised Single Negotiating Text prepared by the Law of the Sea Conference would provide that States in whose rivers anadromous stocks originate should have the primary interest in and responsibility for such stocks. The Law of the Sea Conference is continuing discussions. Her Majesty's Government have no plans at present to introduce similar legislation but the matter will continue to be kept under review.